Public Views Sought on Founders' Memorial

A committee tasked to conceptualise a Founders’ Memorial that honours Singapore’s first generation of political leaders, will hold eight dialogues to seek views from the public from 31 October to 15 December 2015.

Formed earlier this year on 30 June, the Founders’ Memorial Steering Committee will hold the engagement sessions at places such as the National Library and the National Museum of Singapore. There will also be one dialogue session each, in Chinese, Malay and Tamil, as well as for specific groups — namely youths and pioneers. Those keen to attend can sign up for the discussions at www.foundersmemorial.sg.

Members of the public may also give comments on the website on the location and look of the memorial, among others, the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) added in a press release yesterday (15 Oct).

The feedback from this exercise will provide the committee with views from different stakeholders and Singaporeans from all walks of life.

The 15-member committee, led by Esplanade chairman Lee Tzu Yang, will also gather views through surveys in the coming months, and hold roundtable discussions with groups of experts like historians and educators.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had mooted the idea of a Founders’ Memorial in Parliament in April, a month after founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew died on March 23. PM Lee said his father was always conscious that he did not act alone, but was "first among equals" in a multiracial team that complemented one another. The idea of such a memorial, perhaps coupled with an exhibition gallery to educate future generations, was one the late Mr Lee himself saw value in, he added.

What are your thoughts on honouring our founding fathers? Share them with us here!

Source: “Public can give views and join forums on Founders' Memorial” (Straits Times, 16 October 2015) and “Committee for founding fathers memorial to seek public views” (TODAY, 16 October 2015)